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Interview with A.L. Hawke, Author of Ravens (The Hawthorne University Witch Series Book 5)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Ravens (The Hawthorne University Witch Series Book 5)?

Ravens is the fifth book in the Hawthorne University Witch Series. It was an opportunity—and a fun one—for Cadence to turn bad. She teams up with her archenemy witch, Enora. In Witch Mirror, book four, Cadence was possessed by her teacher, Alondra. In Ravens, she’s still possessed, but she’s driven to learn black magic to save the town. Her journey through dark magic messes up her friendships and marriage. It even threatens her mind. I researched a lot of information about the occult for this novel: Thelema, and Aleister Crowley, along with satanism. Cadence, like many of us, is afraid of these things. I think that helps draw you in, just like it draws many to the occult. It helps turn the pages.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Ravens (The Hawthorne University Witch Series Book 5), what would they be?

I wouldn’t pick one particular song, I’d pick a band: Led Zeppelin. A lot of the pages were written while listening to that classic rock band. Jimmy Page, the lead guitarist, is a known fan of Thelema and Aleister Crowley. He worked with Kenneth Anger for music in the film “Lucifer Rising” and even purchased the famous Boleskine House by Loch Ness. The Boleskine House was previously owned by the famed occultist Aleister Crowley. I had fun learning these things, and then passing that knowledge on to Cadence and the reader.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Paranormal, romance, and urban fantasy. It’s the same these days.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There’s a really great fighting scene over dinner between Cadence and Bryce. It's not an action scene, but I really like the dialogue interplay with the characters. Dialogue was my first love of writing. Landscapes and description came second. Anyway, the couple is having a tough time in this book. They both want to start a family, but witchcraft keeps getting in the way.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Lots of nitro brews or lattes, music, and my laptop.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

This is a book where Cadence gets edgy. Delving deeper into demonology, she even gets mean with her friends and family. Her selfish empowerment makes her strong, but it comes at a price. In gnostic circles, it’s believed that the witch, or magus, needs to learn the balance between good magic and bad, white and dark, in order to be a true master of their craft. I think we all have to learn balance in life, in a way. This book is about Cadence’s journey through “evil”. She learns to be evil. Then she has to decide whether she wants to remain wicked, and, if so, accept the consequences.

A.L. Hawke is the author of the new book Ravens (The Hawthorne University Witch Series Book 5)

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Interview with Nora Bloom, Author of The Lies We Live By (The Forever and Always Series Book 1)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Lies We Live By (The Forever and Always Series Book 1)?

I have often thought about where I would go if I ever had to run away from a bad situation, and I pictured that Alaska would be the perfect place to hide. I love the scenery, the beautiful nature and the thought of a small town where everyone knows everyone and they all stick together. Even if it’s to help a newcomer against something threatening her.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Lies We Live By (The Forever and Always Series Book 1), what would they be?

Shania Twain's "Forever and For Always" is a song that fits them both perfectly. They’re so cute and in love but have to go through a lot just to be together.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love reading romance novels. They’re the perfect getaway from life’s trouble.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Colleen Hoover: Verity. I love her books.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

When they share their first kiss. It takes a while for Lisa to give in to Oliver, and it’s so sweet when she finally does.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I always have my daughter’s cat in my lap, and I like to listen to music while writing.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love.” - Sophocles

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

That love can happen anywhere, especially when you’re not looking for it.

Nora Bloom is the author of the new book The Lies We Live By (The Forever and Always Series Book 1)

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Interview with Stella Atrium, Author of Tribal Logic (The Tribal Wars Book 4)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Tribal Logic (The Tribal Wars Book 4)?

Tribal Logic is Book 4 of a series, so the original inspiration has been satisfied in the first trilogy. With this story, we look at the tribal neighbors for how their lives are different from favorite characters, and how the differences are a threat to stability in the duchy. Jesse Hartley jumps back to Dolvia in the galaxy’s Westend to reconnect with her father General Hartley. Meanwhile, Hershel Henry takes on a mission to rescue abandoned conscripts in the asteroid belt.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

For decades I read history and philosophy. Maybe I was trying to find that one mystery that made my life more interesting. I did find lots of research on unusual natural events and examples of how individuals respond to pressure. Reading is its own reward. For example, I often take inspiration for moments of magic from found-in-nature artifacts. I discovered a “mermaid’s purse” which is a folded seaweed frond where a shark places a fetus for additional incubation. For the sci-fi story, I was able to turn that artifact into a magic talisman. Characters who carry one can communicate with each other through a hole drilled into the dead sea serpent’s head.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I was a great reader of pulp fiction as a young person. Now I sort of stick with history and especially personalities that impact a nation. I’m on chapter two of Brett Baier’s biography of President Grant after the Civil War. How the veterans and suffering people in the South recovered or acted on old prejudices fascinates me and provides fodder for how my characters may act.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

In Tribal Logic we meet more characters who have spiritual talents such as a young healer named Opin who helps Jesse Hartley when she gets injured. I researched how healing powers can work in our world and stumbled upon the old traditions in the Middle East and India. Integrating some features into the skills of Opin kept to my principle of found-in-nature magic. The research also opened a whole fresh world of adventure for me. I enjoyed infusing Opin with some insights far beyond her age or position.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I read my own books for pleasure. Is that too odd for words?

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

To write well, one must get up early, make a pot of coffee, and turn on the computer.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Tribal Logic has humor, action-adventure, and a love story that is resolved in the next book Utcan's Talisman. There’s a pantheon of characters, but reviewers have said that the story is easy to follow with high adventure and strong twists. The memorable characters drive the story, especially the women.

Stella Atrium is the author of the new book Tribal Logic (The Tribal Wars Book 4)

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Interview with Topher Pike, Author of Poetic Contemplation II: Poetry Collection

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Poetic Contemplation II: Poetry Collection?

I wrote this book during a time of my life when I was going through some personal struggles, and I think you can feel it within each piece. I tried to tap into these struggles the best I could and express myself through raw emotion. I still have no idea if what I write is poetry because I’ve never really paid much attention to what poetry is supposed to be. I just write what I feel and let words find me in whatever form it may desire. This book of poetry was a vehicle for me to express and release unprocessed emotions drowning my peace.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Personal development.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Currently reading Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Favorite poem would be Poem L - Wolves.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I rise every day at 3:30 am to write and meditate.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

“The light that shines within doesn’t have to stay within." - Topher Pike

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Always be yourself and share your art. Let them know that they are enough.

Topher Pike is the author of the new book Poetic Contemplation II: Poetry Collection

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Interview with Ivy Davis, Author of Heartless Union (The De Luca Mafia Book 1)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Heartless Union (The De Luca Mafia Book 1)?

I wanted to go back to basics with Heartless Union: write a tried and true arranged marriage mafia romance. I’ve experimented over the years with my mafia romance novels and I just wanted to write something that was a simple love story but still a fun, steamy mafia romance at the same time.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Heartless Union (The De Luca Mafia Book 1), what would they be?

The theme song I would pick for this book is Shades of Cool by Lana Del Rey. I’m a huge Lana fan so any chance I can take inspiration from her music, I’m going to. Heartless Union deals with Lara, who feels like she can’t change Rocco. He’s heartless and unfixable. Her mind, at the beginning of the book, is like Lana’s song. She feels like there’s nothing she can do to change Rocco. But over the course of the story, things change for her. Rocco begins to soften and open his heart up to her.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I honestly love to read many different genres but I do love a good thriller/horror novel, which is probably why I love writing mafia romances because it’s a blend of romance and slight thrills. I used to love to read romance but now that I write it, I don’t read it as often, but I still love a good love story.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I have a large list of books on my TBR pile but the one on top is The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write in Heartless Union was when the big bad of the book confronts the main couple. It’s a scene where the main female character, Lara shows that she’s willing to sacrifice herself for her new family and it makes the main male character, Rocco, realize that he does, in fact, have strong feelings for her. It’s a wake up call for him. I loved writing it and I loved re-reading it!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I honestly don’t have any quirky writing habits. (I feel so boring haha). I do my normal morning routine – workout, shower, eat – and then I start writing. I outline everything so that helps me get right into the zone of writing and once I’m in it, I get absorbed into the world I’m creating and can’t think about anything else.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

The philosophy I live by is: take it one day at a time, one chapter at a time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by writing a book so taking it each day and one chapter at a time, makes it so much easier. That’s also where outlining helps me out so much. It makes it easier to focus on one chapter at a time.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If there was one thing I would want people to remember after reading my book it’s this – don’t close your heart off to love, even if you think you’re not deserving of it. Everyone is deserving of love and sometimes, you have to put aside your pride to find it.

Ivy Davis is the author of the new book Heartless Union (The De Luca Mafia Book 1)

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Interview with Cassidy Reyne, Author of Fallen: Unchained (State of Grace Book 1)

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Fallen: Unchained (State of Grace Book 1)?

I spotted a premade book cover online by my amazing cover designer. I stopped scrolling and stared at it for a long moment, trying to figure out what it was that intrigued me so much. Suddenly, a story exploded in my head. I reached for a pad and pen and a couple of hours later, I had the entire plot outlined. At first, the idea seemed easy with the dual timelines as long as I got them set out clearly beforehand. It turned out not to be quite so easy and took a fair bit of wrangling and puzzling, but in the end, I got there. The core message I wanted to convey with the two characters' challenges and triumphs was that although life is never easy, it comes with rewards that will fill our hearts, no matter how small they might seem, if we allow them. And how our ideas, relationships, and acts of kindness – or otherwise – can have a huge impact, not only at the time but in the future as well. Since it’s a romance, the overarching premise had to be about love. In this case, it became a story about a second chance at love after tragedy and loss but also about hope and perseverance against all odds.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Fallen: Unchained (State of Grace Book 1), what would they be?

For Kiran, it would be Rise Up by Andra Day. For Alina, Bigger Than The Whole Sky by Taylor Swift. The lyrics and feel of each song seem to fit the characters perfectly, at least they do for me when I listen to them.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love a good political or military thriller à la Tom Clancy or Scott Mariani, and when I need utter escapism, I go for mystery or adventure yarns – in the vein of Indiana Jones – no matter how farfetched or unrealistic. I have a few Fantasy and Urban Fantasy authors whose books I will read as soon as they’re released, but I’m quite picky about those genres. Of course, I also read romance, mostly the suspense kind, but also some romcoms if it's from an author I particularly enjoy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I currently have a ridiculous TBR list of more than six hundred books on my Kindle waiting for me to get to it, and at the top of that list is The Cave by Gia Colt. It’s a new romance book with a trope that isn’t my usual go-to, but I thought I’d switch things up a little and try something different. Next to my cozy reading chair sits two paperbacks; The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro and The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Oh, what a tricky question. I think it was probably Kiran's meeting with his older brother Michael. A lot of suppressed resentment and anger was finally given air, and many questions were asked and answered. Their conversation was somewhat cathartic, for me at least, and unraveled much of the mystery surrounding Kiran's existence and reasons for what he'd endured for such a long time.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I'm not sure it's particularly quirky, but I always have a scented candle burning when I write. I often change it so the scent suits the chapter or section of the story I'm writing. I'll have a heavier, spicy scent for darker scenes or action sequences, and lighter floral or citrusy scents for the softer, romantic parts. I also have to have something to drink, whether that is water, coffee, or wine, depending on the time of day.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

"Find the Silver Lining." I'm normally a positive and happy person, and I always try to find something good, the silver lining, in every adversity. It can be very hard to see sometimes, but if I give it time and peace, I usually find it.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope the reader remembers the love and friendship that can blossom during the most difficult of circumstances, and how a small act of kindness can change someone’s entire life.

Cassidy Reyne is the author of the new book Fallen: Unchained (State of Grace Book 1)

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Interview with C J Powell, Author of The Demon Hunter's Wife

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Demon Hunter's Wife?

So I work weekends as a bass player in a wedding band, meaning every Saturday night I drive off to a distant part of the country and rock the house while my wife and daughter stay home. Every Saturday morning we have a great breakfast of pancakes and coffee and orange juice, and I thought what would it be like if instead of going out to play bass I was going out to fight demons. The idea revolved around a wife asking a husband “What’s the gig tonight?” and his reply being “Oh, just a couple of werewolves to take care of.” The whole story came out of that breakfast-based conversation and what that wife would have to do if her husband didn’t return home.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Demon Hunter's Wife, what would they be?

I have a whole Spotify playlist for the book here. I don’t have specific songs for characters, more so for moments and feelings. "Be The Song" by Foy Vance reminds me of the father-daughter relationship in the book. A song called "Paralysed" by S Carey which I interpret to be about a parent’s worry that their children will grow up and forget them. It mirrors some of the main character’s feelings in the book. If the book were a film I’d see the end credits crashing in on "Kings and Queens" by 30 Seconds To Mars, followed by Meatloaf's "I Would Do Anything For Love" which if you read the story should make absolute sense.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I love any book with mystery and humor. If there’s not something strange pulling me through I tend to get a little bored. My favorite genre to write and read is science fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I keep going to charity shops and so have a massive TBR. Looking at my shelf I have Jurassic Park, Interview With The Vampire, some Jeff Vandermeer, and quite a few Terry Pratchett books. I’m halfway through Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams and The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

To keep from giving too much away I really enjoyed writing the first chapter in the book. It’s the meeting between our hero Sadie and her husband-to-be: Dirk The Demon Hunter. She returns home from a drunken night out to find her mother possessed by a demon and he smashes through a window to save her. It has humor, a little bit of romance, and just enough projectile vomiting. There is another towards the end of the book that takes place during bath time which I loved, but don’t want to give the game away so you’ll have to read it.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I’m not overly superstitious so don’t have any lucky mugs or anything. I do tend to laugh to myself when I’ve written a particularly surprising silly bit. I expect my wife thinks I’m odd chuckling away in my study on my own when I’m supposed to be writing. I do like coffee. Good coffee helps a lot!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I’ve never really spoken a motto out loud but I think it would be something along the lines of, “Don’t worry about being bad at something now. Practice it so you can be good in a few years.” Long story short, “Be patient”. It’s how I allowed myself to be rubbish yet keep writing early on.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I’d like it if readers remembered who wrote it… It was me. I wrote it. But also to try not to be too hard on yourself. That’s one of the underlying themes.

C J Powell is the author of the new book The Demon Hunter's Wife

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Interview with Shan Shan Nie, Author of The Belt of Chaos

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Belt of Chaos?

Why did I write this book? I've observed that many skilled grown-ups in the corporate world struggle to lead teams. It's like they're adventurers without a map, risking disaster with every move. This realization fueled my desire to give young minds a head start in leadership and bring a different kind of heroine into the spotlight. In the story, Sasha isn't your typical audacious and outspoken protagonist. As an introvert, she navigates challenges with keen observations and resilience. Her quiet charisma and inner world draw readers in, challenging the notion that leadership only comes in loud forms. Sasha's quiet toughness prevails, proving that a resilient leader can triumph over unpredictability.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Belt of Chaos, what would they be?

"The Name of Life"

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Mystery.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Last Flight.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The rescue theme.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Munching on snacks.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

"Be kind."

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Embrace change.

SHAN SHAN NIE is the author of the new book The Belt of Chaos

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